online liberal arts degree

							Marketing Your Liberal Arts Degree

Office of Career Services
Beloit College The Liberal Arts in Practice Center Office of Career Services 700 College St. Beloit, WI 53511 Phone: 608-363-2673 Email: careerservices@beloit.edu Website: http://www.beloit.edu/careerservices

MARKETING YOUR LIBERAL ARTS DEGREE
The Appeal of Liberal Arts Students and Graduates
Employers are looking for certain characteristics in job candidates and it is beneficial to know those characteristics when marketing yourself. According to a survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the top ten characteristics employers (on average) seek in job candidates are as follows: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Communication Honesty/integrity Teamwork skills Interpersonal skills Motivation/initiative 6. Strong work ethic 7. Analytical skills 8. Flexibility/adaptability 9. Computer skills 10. Self-confidence

As you may note, employers are seeking critical thinkers, problem solvers, effective communicators, and people who have demonstrated they can work well with others. These are important skills often associated with liberal arts graduates. But no matter what your major, you can be competitive if you can reflect your grasp of these skills in your communication with employers. Craft your resume to emphasize your skills and experience rather than your major. Don’t hide your major, but through your description of part-time jobs, internships, and involvement outside the classroom, take credit for what you have done and what you know how to do! Consider developing a strong objective statement that defines the type of positions for which you want to be considered. This indicates that you have given thought to what you want to do and takes the emphasis off your major. Include a skills summary on your resume in which you target those abilities which relate to the type of jobs you are seeking. Include computer-related skills, especially those that will be important in the type of job you are seeking. Wherever possible, describe what you have done in the jargon of the field you hope to enter. Be careful not to overdo this, but it is especially important for a person with a “nonrelated” major to demonstrate some familiarity with the field. Use your cover letter to emphasize your knowledge of what you can bring to this particular organization. Briefly describe related experiences. It doesn’t matter where you gained the background (in a job, volunteer experience, campus organization, or hobby)—the end result is what is important. In interviews or conversations with employers, be prepared to talk about the type of position that interests you and the skills you will bring to that type of position. Be positive about your major and why you chose it, but focus on your skills and experience as a total “package” of what you can bring to the job. (Adapted from article by S. Kearsley)

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Succeed Using Your Soft Skills_______________
While students, recent hires, and managers place different priorities on the skills needed to be successful, there is a common theme. Everyone is looking at “soft skills.” In Nancy Barry’s book, When Reality Hits: What Employers Want Recent College Graduates to Know, business executives describe their dream employee this way: “Their expectations start with a foundation of integrity, trust, ethical behavior, and honesty. Add a positive attitude, a smile on your face, a good work ethic, and a professional appearance, and you’re on your way to a successful career. “They’ll expect you to meet deadlines, follow through on your commitments, pay attention to details, and do quality work. They want you to be able to think outside the box and have great organizational skills so you don’t lose the box. “They’ll want you to go with the flow, and keep your cool when everything changes. Be confident, not cocky. Be curious, courteous, and competent. And be dedicated, dependable, and determined. “They want you to understand that excellent communication skills are a must. And being a team player is not optional. They’ll want you to know it all, but not act as if you do. And this is just part of what employers want you to know.” Success in life and business is based on our soft skills. No matter how smart you are, or how many degrees you have earned, you need a solid set of soft skills in order to be successful. (Article by Nancy Barry)

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Reflecting On Your Liberal Arts Experiences
The following skill sets are consistently listed among the top ten characteristics sought in job candidates by employers, based on NACE annual job outlook surveys. For each item, identify a classroom or extracurricular experience in which you demonstrated the particular skill or ability. Specify the type of activity you personally performed or experienced in giving examples. COMMUNICATION: __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ HONESTY/INTEGRITY: __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ TEAMWORK SKILLS: __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ INTERPERSONAL SKILLS: __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ MOTIVATION/INITIATIVE: __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ STRONG WORK ETHIC: __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ ANALYTICAL SKILLS: __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ FLEXIBILITY/ADAPTABILITY: __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ COMPUTER SKILLS: __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ SELF-CONFIDENCE: __________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________

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The Hottest Opportunities in the Job Market
How You Fit Into the Tight Job Market (Job Outlook 2009 – Student Version) Top Degrees in Demand (bachelor’s level) 1. Accounting 2. Mechanical Engineering 3. Electrical Engineering 4. Computer Science 5. Business Administration/Management

6. Economics/Finance 7. Information Sciences & Systems 8. Computer Engineering 9. Management Information Systems 10. Marketing/Marketing Management

Using industry and job market is certainly beneficial to you as you begin your job search and start to target companies and career choices. At the same time, racing after a job simply because it’s in a hot field is like racing after a magnet company—your future job and happiness may not lay there. It’s better to combine your interests and abilities when you’re looking for career satisfaction. Investigate career options and pursue a field in which you have a lot of interest and it can lead to greater lifetime satisfaction. Work out a practical way to mix interests with work, so you can follow your dreams. Most opportunities lie within small companies, so look for small organizations—those employing fewer than 100 people. Typically, you’ll find you have more responsibility in a small office than you would in a large one; that level of responsibility can propel your career into future jobs. You’ll find such employers in the yellow pages, through Internet searches, on community resource web pages or in directories, in want ads, and by asking family and friends for leads. Remember, too, that many good jobs are available with nonprofit organizations, which have offices across the country and hire fund-raisers, events planners, and communications people. Also consider state and local government jobs, not just those with the federal government. The environmental, high-tech, service, telecommunications, retail industries and some areas of healthcare offer many opportunities, as well. Utilize Career Services for library and career assessment resources. The Occupational Outlook Handbook is a good place to start researching career areas (go to http://www.bls.gov/oco/home.htm). (Adapted from article by R. Ryan)

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Skills Assessment
We need to be aware of our skills and be able to communicate them to others. This knowledge enables us to decide upon and reach our goals. Often it may be difficult to identify our skills because of our tendency to lump together, ignore, or discount many or our most important assets. Perhaps it would help to see that skills may be divided into three categories: ADAPTIVE/SELF MANAGEMENT SKILLS Also known as personality traits, we rarely think of them as skills. These skills have to do with how you deal with people and time. To identify Self Management Skills, ask yourself this question: What personal characteristics do I have? Examples:
punctual dependable conscientious sincere athletic clear-thinking imaginative industrious leadership congenial efficient patient persistent ability loyal open-minded

CONTENT SKILLS (technical or work-specific) These are specific skills related to performing a job/activity in a particular field, work situation, or subject matter. They involve learning and memory. To identify your Work Skills, ask yourself this question: What sort of specific knowledge do I have? Examples:
programming computers knowing anatomy editing typing legal documents tailoring suits preparing a lesson plan accounting repairing a car reading blueprints taking blood pressure

TRANSFERABLE OR FUNCTIONAL SKILLS These are skills needed to deal with data (information), people and/or things in any occupational field. They are not specific to any particular task, but transfer to a wide variety of settings. To identify your transferable skills, ask yourself: What kind of actions have I used in various situations? Examples:
Data: synthesizing coordinating analyzing computing People: negotiating supervising consulting treating Things: precision work setting up manipulating operating

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compiling copying comparing

instructing persuading diverting helping exchange information taking instruction

driving control handling tending

EXAMPLES OF ADAPTIVE/SELF MANAGEMENT SKILLS
academic ambitious broadminded cheerful conscientious dignified farsighted friendly helpful industrious inventive loyal motivated original practical rational resourceful sharp-witted stable teachable trustworthy versatile analytical business-like clever conservative dominant firm generous honest informal kind mature open-minded outgoing precise realistic responsible sincere strong tenacious unassuming warm adaptable adventurous artistic calm competent considerate deliberate flexible gentle humorous initiative likable methodical opportunistic patient progressive reflective sensible sociable supportive thorough understanding wise affectionate assertive capable competitive consistent dependable witty goal-directed imaginative intelligent logical meticulous optimistic persevering prudent relaxed sensitive spontaneous sympathetic thoughtful wholesome zany aggressive attractive charming confident cooperative determined frank good-natured independent introspective loving modest organized poised quick reliable serious spunky tactful tolerant verbal

EXAMPLES OF TRANSFERABLE OR FUNCTIONAL SKILLS
Achieve advise assess build communicate create design estimate expand fund raise increase institute investigate market motivate perform solve reconcile review standardize synthesize transmit advertise adapt analyze assign calculate compare decide determine evaluate expedite guide influence instruct invent mediate negotiate persuade produce recruit revise stimulate systematize update adjust anticipate assist catalog conceive define develop examine facilitate hire inform integrate lead merchandise obtain plan promote report schedule summarize teach write administer arrange author clarify conceptualize delegate devise exchange forecast implement initiate interpret maintain modify operate preside publicize research select supervise team build assemble budget collaborate conduct demonstrate direct execute formulate improve innovate interview manage monitor originate problem publish resolve speak survey train

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Marketing On Your Resume
HIGHLIGHTING YOUR STRENGTHS You sell your skills/qualifications by highlighting the most important ones! Keep in mind that employers won’t read your resume until you get past the screening stage. In order to make it that far, something must catch the employer’s eye. Using key terms or phrases common to your target industry will help you get noticed, as will highlighting information that is most relevant to your target career. If you are in doubt, read the want ads in newspapers and trade/industry journals, or job descriptions in various career books, and pick out the key experiences and skills employers are seeking for jobs similar to the one you want. Then incorporate relevant words and phrases into your presentation. This accomplishes two goals: you show the employer you are familiar with the industry and you help eliminate any doubts about how your qualifications meet their needs. Don’t make the employer do the work, do it for him or her. This is your opportunity to shine! SHOWING WRITTEN COMMUNICATION SKILLS Your overall resume presentation says volumes about you. Using key words and phrases to identify your skills and qualifications is one component of this, while assuring you use proper grammar, spelling, punctuation and page layout is equally important. It’s always a good idea to have someone else look over your resume. After you spend hours working on something, you may not catch spelling errors or questionable grammar, so let one of our staff, or at least a friend, double-check your work. Don’t place complete trust in computer spell-checks. We see misspellings quite often in resumes that have been spell-checked. In addition to the content of your resume, it is important for you to consider layout and design. Most employers will initially look at resumes for only 10-20 seconds. Make those seconds count by creating a resume that is visually appealing and easy to read. Use plenty of “white” space and be careful with your use of tools. Don’t exceed two tools (bold, underline, italic, etc.) per item. Be consistent with your use of tools, placement and spacing. For example, if your job titles are in bold, make certain all of them appear that way and make sure all of your dates appear in the same locations. Your top and bottom margins should be at least 0.5 inches and left/right margins should be at least 0.75. Center your resume from top to bottom and left to right. Limit the number of tabs you set so that all indentations and columns fall on no more that three vertical lines running down the page. If your resume extends to a second page, try to fill at least half of that page. If you do not have enough information to do so, try to fit it all on one page. All of these guidelines will make your resume much easier to read. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS • A resume is primarily a sales tool; it’s an advertisement for you • Include selling points that will substantiate your objective • Be prepared to discuss everything you place on your resume • Don’t try to copy a resume…your experiences and education are unique • There is no one correct format…tailor yours to highlight your achievements • Resumes don’t get you the job…they are meant to get you the interview *Refer to Career Services Resume and Cover Letters Guide to review resume components, design and additional tips and strategies.

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Marketing in the Interview
GENERAL INTERVIEWING TIPS 1. Do a self inventory – know yourself Explore yourself objectively – review the top ten characteristics employers are seeking and inventory how you have acquired or are developing them through your experiences. With pencil and paper go over your strengths and weaknesses, i.e., leadership qualities, communication skills, interpersonal skills, initiative, creativity, academic training, area(s) of competency. Identify which experiences led to or revealed these weaknesses. Assess how you are working on improving your weaknesses. Study the job description – know the job Know the basic duties and responsibilities of the position being interviewed for, as well as desirable qualifications applicants should possess. Match your background, experience, training and skills with factors associated with the job and be prepared to identify and emphasize these items as appropriate during the interview process – stress the positive. Remember, it’s not a case of what the employer can do for you but rather what you can do for the employer. Research the employer – know the employer Study available information concerning the employer – brochures, annual reports, directories, journals, Internet, etc. Who are they? What do they represent? What do they do? Identify how your strengths match the needs, functions and culture of the company. Personal appearance and grooming First impressions are important. Appropriate dress and overall personal appearance will help greatly in getting the interview started on a positive note. Be aware of acceptable dress, the importance of properly fitting clothes and the details associated with proper appearance and grooming. (See additional guide, p. 6) The interview This is the time to truly feel good about yourself. Being well prepared will give you a lot of confidence going to the interview. • Review questions frequently asked by interviewers • Practice interviewing – set up a mock interview at FACS • Be on time for your appointment – plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early • Eye contact is important • Be yourself – you’re better at being yourself that someone you’re not • Listen attentively and actively to questions and comments • Be prepared to ask questions when appropriate • Evaluate the interview • Be pleasant and enthusiastic • A good sense of humor is a plus but don’t let levity overshadow sincerity Follow-up Always send a thank-you letter to each interviewer. It should be sent no later that 24 hours after the interview, if possible. This will keep you in the forefront of the recruiter’s mind. • Express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview • Express your continued enthusiasm about the position and organization • Re-cap your strengths, being careful to relate them to the requirements of the job and organization 8

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• Request to meet again • Send the letter typewritten and no longer than one page. Personalize your letter – don’t send a form letter. *Refer to Career Services Resume and Cover Letters Guide for sample letter. *Refer to the Career Services Interviewing Guide to review additional interviewing techniques, strategies, behavioral-based interviewing information, and sample questions.

SOURCES Barry, Nancy. [online] Succeed Using Your Soft Skills. http://www.jobweb.com/studentarticles.aspx?id=1455 [2009, Sept. 22]. Kearsley, S. [online] Selling Your Liberal Arts Major. http://www.jobweb.com/Resources/Library/Careers_In/Selling_Your_Liberal_83_01.htm [2002, Feb. 27]. How You Fit Into the Tight Job Market, Job Outlook 2009 – Student Version. [online] http://www.jobweb.com/studentarticles.aspx?id=2121 [2009, Sept. 22]. Planning Job Choices 2002. (2001). Bethlehem, PA: National Association of Colleges and Employers, p. 24-25 Ryan, R. [online] Road to Career Success for Liberal Arts Majors. http://www.jobweb.com/Resources/Library/Careers_In/Road_to_Career_56_02.htm [2002, Feb. 27]. Spotlight Job Outlook ’99. (Nov. 16, 1998). Bethlehem, PA: National Association of Colleges and Employers, p. 5.

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